Our Wonderfully Made

Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve loved staying active, and enjoyed a variety of activities. I was swimming before I was old enough to be in any competitive sports, yet already was looking to my parents to “judge” a diving contest, or who could come up with the most creative “jump” into the water. As I got older, I continued to enjoy the competitive side of sports, but started to equally enjoy the team aspect of organized sport, taking on the role of captain for various teams throughout high school. The community of sport has always been a major reason I’ve joined teams or group fitness programs over the years. For me, there is so much more enjoyment in something when it’s shared. It’s likely why I tend to share so much about the things I love! It’s why travelling with someone is so much fun – you naturally want to share in great experiences.

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If you’ve followed our story on social media over the last year, you’ll likely already know how important prenatal fitness was for me throughout our pregnancy. It gave me LIFE. So I’m so excited to share with you my new role as a Fit 4 Two Ambassador!

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I came across Fit Together – Pre and Postpartum Fitness through a Google search when I was 13 weeks pregnant with Orlo, and desperate to find a fitness program that was designed for pregnancy. I was so scared of doing the “wrong” thing while working out, and therefore lost a lot of my confidence, energy, and “me”.  Fitness has always been a big part of my life, whether it be sports, dance, boxing, yoga, TRX, cardio classes, biking, running – I’ve always incorporated fitness into my lifestyle.

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The whole first trimester was riddled with fear as it was, coming off three back to back miscarriages, never getting past that 12 week mark. The last thing I wanted to do was to jeopardize my pregnancy by doing jumping jacks. (P.S. you can totally do jumping jacks while pregnant LOL .🤦🏼‍♀️) I still vividly remember the last run I went on prior to finding out we were pregnant. It was a brisk Thanksgiving morning, and Branton and I dressed for the weather and ran to the Forks and back. It was the best Thanksgiving morning, especially as October is always a hard month for me as it holds the due date for two of our angel babes. Just a week earlier I was in a pool of tears collapsed on the kitchen floor (see post October Has My Heart). It was shortly after that run when we got the news of we were once again pregnant. And my weekly runs at Winnipeg Run Club and yoga flow classes came to an abrupt halt.

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SO when I found Fit Together, I was eager to try it out, yet skeptical it would be a good fit. I pictured a bunch of pregnant women (including me) slow stretching, and barely moving. I figured it might be a waste of money and I definitely wouldn’t work up a sweat, but at least I’d now be part of a community of other pregnant mamas in the same journey… boy was I WRONG!

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That first class (especially after coming off two months of doing nothing but sitting perfectly still) was AMAZING! We were moving, lifting weights, doing squats and lunges, AND the dreaded jumping jacks. I remember being shocked that we were “allowed” to workout like this while pregnant, but felt so reassured knowing all instructors are certified in prenatal fitness training, and only do what is safe during pregnancy, with tons of modifications for all levels (that, and seeing a fellow mama at 38 weeks pregnant going harder than me!) I loved that everyone went at their own pace, with the common goal of taking care of our bodies, no matter what that looked like for each of us.

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I’ll never forget coming home after that first class grinning ear to ear. I was sweaty, energized, and chock full of endorphins. The moment I arrived home and walked through the door, I started excitedly telling Branton about the experience and how for the first time this pregnancy, I felt like I had a piece of me again. I felt confident. I felt connected with other moms. I found my community. My eyes were welling with happy tears. Not only did I find a piece of my puzzle that was missing, it also helped it sink in that we actually were pregnant – and in the second trimester! It was one of the first times I allowed myself to let my guard down, and join other pregnant mamas in being excited for this pregnancy. To be able to share with other mamas symptoms, questions, fears, and gratitude was really special for me. ♥️

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Each week I’d look forward to my fitness classes, knowing I was not only taking care of my body, but also my baby’s. I believe that working out while pregnant is one of the main reasons I had no back pain (or any other pain) throughout my pregnancy. Each week I was getting stronger and stronger to support my belly that was getting bigger and bigger. This also gave me confidence preparing for labour – the hardest workout of my life! Athletes train for months before running a marathon, and I treated labour as my upcoming marathon too, that required strength and a healthy mind. Being active gave me both physical and mental stamina.

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I realize not everyone has a smooth pregnancy, and for some, it can take everything just to get through the day. I was fortunate enough to have a great pregnancy, and am extremely grateful for that. Fitness classes may not be for every pregnant mama, however I do believe for many, it can be a total game changer! I’m so thankful for my body, and the ability to stay active right up to 40 weeks pregnant (definitely thought I’d have my baby before my last class, but he was a late one!).

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Next week Tuesday will be my first Fit 4 Two postnatal fitness class, and I can’t wait! I’ve been staying active postpartum with lots of stroller walking, and when I’m lucky to have Branton at home on the weekends, a few runs too. Coming out of the “newborn fog” now almost 10 weeks postpartum, I’m SO ready to get back to these classes with mamas and their babes!

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First class coming up is Stroller Fitness Tuesday mornings outside at the Forks which has my name written all over it! Getting outside, meeting other new mamas, while breaking a sweat WITH my baby?! Literally a dream wrapped up into one sweet hour.

Next one lined up is Friday mornings at a community centre nearby for Mom and Baby Fitness indoors.

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There are a ton of different classes city-wide available for both postnatal and prenatal fitness (including yoga!), and I will be dropping into a bunch of them coming up. I’ll keep you informed as to which ones work best for Orlo and I!

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As health and wellness is a passion of mine, and living a healthy lifestyle is my kind of self care, when Fit Together approached me to partner with them as a Fitness Ambassador, I immediately knew it was a perfect fit. With my genuine love of their prenatal fitness classes, the confidence and strength they gave me, and being a natural “cheerleader” of all things I love, I’m so happy to be able to share with you all the benefits of these programs.
If you are interested in trying out a class let me know, and I’ll happily share a Free Class Pass with you!

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Class schedule for both prenatal and postnatal fitness can be found at the links below!

Fit Together Schedule

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Maybe I’ll see some of you at The Forks this Tuesday! 🤸🏼‍♂️

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Xoxo,

Kayla